Goodbye Lover (1998): Dir: Roland Joffe / Cast: Don Johnson, Patricia Arquette, Dermot Mulroney, Mary Louise Parker, Ellen DeGeneres: Strange dark comedy that is both clever and insulting. There is no love or lovers in this film, only deceit, lust and murder. Don Johnson plays a big corporate boss unable to control his aggressive brother. He is having an affair with Patricia Arquette who is married to his brother. When Johnson becomes involved with Mary-Louise Parker he breaks contact with Arquette who threatens blackmail. He receives a threatening call from his brother, which leads to murder. Subplot involving the doctor is not necessary and the sequence between Johnson and Arquette at Church is revolting. Then there is that Sound of Music cassette that plays a role of its own. Director Roland Joffe keeps everything uncertain with Arquette well cast as the vixen poisoning the minds of all for the sake of control. Dermot Mulroney plays the drunken aggressive brother. Johnson is excellent in the lead struggling to maintain a certain level of dignity in the midst of a police investigation. Parker is also superb as the lover who also becomes entangled in the web of deceit. Ellen DeGeneres is terrific playing a cynical cop investigating the crime and spewing one-liners. Strong theme regarding deceit marred with aggressive sex, which viewers will either engage or bid farewell. Score: 6 / 10
Review of Goodbye Lover
